Ecuador - Amazon and Galapagos Islands

11 Days / 10 Nights
Ecuador: Amazon and Galapagos Islands
Quito, Napo River, Galapagos Islands, Guayaquil

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Journey to Ecuador, the “Republic of the Equator,” a country that sits on the equator and boasts an extraordinary geography. Explore the Amazon rainforests from the ground and the tree tops and visit the astonishing Galápagos Islands where you can encounter animal and plant species found nowhere else on earth. Be awestruck as you discover this phenomenal region on any of the 3 amazing itineraries.

Trip Highlights

Nocturnal Rainforest Walk
Experience the rainforest in a whole new light-in the dark-on this unique exploration.

Napo River Motorized Canoe Excursion
Cruise through a habitat of the elusive pink river dophin and other jungle wildlife.

Amazon Riverboat Experience
Explore the people and wildlife along the river on a private 3 to 4-night riverboat cruise.

Galapagos Tortoise Reserve
Learn about these beautiful creatures on a private tour of their natural habitat.

Taste the Flavors of the Amazon Region
Thrill your taste buds with the exotic flavors of the Amazon region's delicious dishes.

Adventure Daily Itinerary

Day One

Arrive in Quito

¡Buenos días! An Adventures by Disney representative greets you, assists with your luggage and leads you to your transfer vehicle. Relax as your driver takes you to your hotel in the heart of Quito.

Check-In at JW Marriott Hotel Quito

Welcome to Quito, the city near "The Middle of the World"—the monument that marks Ecuador's position on the equator. This grand hotel in Ecuador's capital is surrounded by mesmerizing views of the distant snow-capped mountains and volcanoes. Sit back and stretch your legs while your Adventure Guides check you in. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you may opt to have a family dinner on your own at the hotel.

Meals Included: None

Day Two

Welcome Breakfast

Enjoy an early morning welcome breakfast with your fellow Adventurers as you prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.

Travel into the Amazon Basin

Hop aboard a private motor coach and be driven to the airport for a short flight to the city of Coca. There, be introduced to local-style water travel—a motorized canoe! Head across the water to a refined riverboat called the Anakonda, which will be your home for the next 4 nights.

Settle into the Anakonda

Explore this finely appointed vessel with 3 levels, an observation deck, multiple sitting areas, outdoor whirlpool spa and an al fresco lounge.

Nature Observation

Stroll the decks or find a nook to view the surroundings and relax with fellow Adventurers. As the Anakonda navigates the river, there are plenty of rewards for those with a keen eye.

Welcome Dinner

Share your excitement and get to know your fellow Adventurers as you dine on delightful fare and toast your first night in the Amazon region.

Nocturnal Rainforest Walk

Venture into the rainforest for a guided experience like no other. You may possibly witness animals that would go unseen during daylight including night tree frogs, kinkajous and exotic insects. Go for it! You only live once.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day Three

Breakfast Onboard the Anakonda

Wake up to a delicious breakfast and get ready for a day of adventures.

Early Morning Rainforest Trek

At the break of dawn, head out by motorized canoe into the backwaters of the Napo River on your way to Pañacocha Lake. Take a tour into the rainforest guided by a local naturalist who has called the Amazon home for his entire life. Witness and learn about the forest and its inhabitants as this rich ecosystem shifts from night to daylight activity.

Lunch at a Amazon Dolphin Lodge

Taste the flavors of the Amazon region as you and your fellow Adventurers enjoy a tasty cooked lunch.

Kayak or Swim in the Pañacocha Lake

Take a leisurely kayak ride or go for a relaxing swim in the waters that make up Yasuni National Park.

Dinner Onboard the Anakonda

Relax with the other Adventurers while you share a meal as well as stories from the day.

Disney Movie Night

Adults can relax while Junior Adventurers enjoy a Disney movie with snacks and soft drinks. Grown-ups can always join in if they wish!

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day Four

Activity Differs Based on Date

NORTH/EAST - Visit a Local Community

After breakfast aboard the Anakonda, visit a small village to meet local artisans and watch them at work. Here you'll have the opportunity to meet the locals, make crafts and acquire genuine craft work to commemorate your Amazon adventure.

SOUTH - Parrot Clay Licks

There are several theories as to why certain parrots and other birds eat clay. But one thing is certain—once you see these colorful birds rain from the sky to eat soil, you will not forget it!

Lunch Aboard the Anakonda

Gather together in the main dining room and enjoy a tasty lunch with your fellow Adventurers.

SOUTH ONLY - Visit a Local Community

Visit a small village to meet local artisans and learn about local farming and delicacies. Here you'll have the opportunity to meet the locals and acquire genuine craft work to commemorate your Amazon adventure.

Canopy Tower Walk

Ascend into the jungle canopy and see nature from a whole new angle, learning all about this unique habitat and the plant life that makes it possible.

Dinner Aboard the Anakonda

Join your fellow Adventurers for a fantastic family meal in the dining room.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day Five

NORTH/EAST DATES ONLY

Breakfast Onboard the Anakonda

Start off your day by joining fellow Adventurers for a delicious breakfast.

Parrot Clay Licks

There are several theories as to why certain parrots and other birds eat clay. But one thing is certain—once you see hundreds of birds rain from the sky to eat soil, you will not forget it!

Lunch Onboard the Anakonda

Gather with your fellow Adventurers to partake in a savory lunch in the dining room.

Limoncocha Biological Reserve

With over 450 species of birds, this reserve is a birdwatcher's paradise and one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. The dense marshland contains many medicinal plants that have been used for generations and new ones being discovered regularly. At dusk, watch the fireflies appear in a natural light show. If you're lucky, you might also get to see a black caiman!

Dinner Onboard the Anakonda

Enjoy your last sumptuous dinner aboard the Anakonda as the sun sets.

SOUTH DATES ONLY

Breakfast Aboard the Anakonda

Enjoy a satisfying breakfast to give you energy for your day.

Say “Adiós” to the Amazon

Disembark the Anakonda and head via motorized canoe back to the city of Coca and to your flight back to Quito.

Flight to Quito

Return to Quito, where you will transfer from Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) to the Intiñan Museum. Lunch will be provided prior to the flight.

Intiñan Museum

Take the rare opportunity to stand with one foot in each hemisphere on this visit to a museum that celebrates being at the middle of the world. Using life-size dioramas, a local expert will illustrate the daily lives of the Ecuadorian people from many different regions. Discover the physics of this special area with interactive exhibits highlighting natural activities that happen only on the equator. Afterwards, pay a visit to the resident guinea pigs who call the museum home.

Check-In at the Wyndham Quito Airport

Explore this conveniently located luxury hotel with its breathtaking views, comfortable rooms and superb amenities.

At Leisure Dinner at the Hotel

Enjoy a delicious buffet dinner at the Wyndham, then get a good night’s rest for more adventure.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day Six

NORTH/EAST DATES ONLY

Say "Adiós" to the Amazon

After breakfast, disembark the Anakonda via motorized canoe back to the city of Coca and to your flight back to Quito. Lunch will be provided prior to the flight.

Intinan Musuem

Check-In at the Wyndham Quito Airport

Explore this conveniently located luxury hotel with its breathtaking views, comfortable rooms and superb amenities.

At Leisure Dinner at the Hotel

Enjoy a delicious buffet dinner at the Wyndham, then get a good night’s rest for more adventure.

SOUTH DATES ONLY

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before departing to the airport for your flight to the beautiful Galápagos Islands.

Fly to the Galápagos Islands

Head to the airport for your flight to San Cristobal Airport (SCY) in the Galápagos and the next leg of your adventure aboard the Legend ship.

Embarkation on the Legend Ship

Board the Legend, a luxury, boutique cruise ship with an array of amenities, exceptional cuisine and 6 multilingual naturalist guides—and your home for the next 3 days!

Lunch on the Ship

Enjoy a delicious lunch aboard the ship before heading out to San Cristobal Island.

San Cristobal Island: Interpretation Center & Cerro Tijeretas Hike

Enter the Interpretation Center where you will learn about the fascinating history and formation of Galápagos, its significance in the world and threats and conservation efforts. Then, take a hike to Cerro Tijeretas, also known as Frigatebird Hill, where you will enjoy a great look at both species of frigatebird, as well as a stunning view of the bay stretched out below you.

Welcome Cocktails & Dinner on Ship

Enjoy a cocktail and delicious dinner with your fellow Adventurers while you swap stories from your adventure-filled day.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day Seven

Activity Differs Based on Date

NORTH/EAST - Fly to the Galapagos Islands

After breakfast, head to the airport for your flight to Baltra Island and the next leg of your adventure

NORTH EAST - Embarkation on the Legend Ship

Board the Legend, a luxury, boutique cruise ship with an array of amenities, exceptional cuisine and 6 multilingual naturalist guides—and your home for the next 3 days!

SOUTH - Breakfast on the Ship

Enjoy a hearty breakfast on board the ship before your day of adventure.

SOUTH - Española Island: Gardner Bay

Hike, swim and snorkel in Gardner Bay, on one of the most stunning beaches in all of Galápagos. The long, white, sandy beach and tranquil turquoise waters are home to a colony of Galápagos sea lions that don’t seem to mind when humans walk amongst them. You may also find yourself the subject of curious investigation by the endemic Hood mockingbirds, Darwin’s finches and even the reclusive warbler finch.

Lunch on the Ship

Gather in the ship’s Lonesome George Restaurant for a buffet-style meal featuring a wide range of local and international dishes.

Activity Differs Based on Date

NORTH - Highlands Tortoise Reserve on Santa Cruz Island

Discover the pride of the Galápagos Islands! See famed giant tortoises in their natural habitat, moving at their usual unhurried pace. Take a privately guided tour at a Galápagos tortoise reserve and learn about these elegant behemoths as you walk among them. You can also see many of the islands' bird species including Darwin's finches, cattle egrets and short-eared owls.

EAST - Bartolome Island Hike & Snorkel

Join a local naturalist for an exhilarating hike up to what is considered the most iconic landscape of the entire archipelago—the view from the top of Bartolome Island. Overlook the famous Pinnacle Rock and Santiago Island stretched out below. The volcanic scene has been compared to a lunar surface. Follow your hike with a refreshing jump in the tranquil, turquoise waters around Pinnacle Rock, where you might come face-to-face with Galápagos penguins, white-tipped reef sharks and playful sea lions.

SOUTH - Española Island: Suarez Point

Stroll along the island trail and walk amongst the fabulous variety of wildlife and stunning scenery that surrounds you throughout this naturalist’s paradise. Enjoy close encounters with boobies, endemic lizards, gulls and even a dramatic blow hole. Plus, this also the home to the majority of the world’s waved albatross populations whose breeding season is between April and December. With luck, you may be able to watch their complex courtship display.

Dinner on the Ship

Enjoy a delicious dinner with your fellow Adventurers while you swap stories from your adventure-filled day.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day Eight

Breakfast on the Ship

Enjoy a hearty breakfast on board the ship before your day of adventure.

Activity Differs Based on Date

NORTH - Genovesa Island: El Barranco

Ride a panga to the far side of the caldera where red-billed tropic birds and Galápagos fur seals can be seen on the shoreline. Then, take El Barranco’s steep rocky path—also known as Prince Phillip’s Steps—up to a high cliff face where you’ll be treated to a spectacular view of the island. The area is home to a variety of species, including Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, mockingbirds and finches, who you may spot on your way to an expansive lava field. Once at the lava field, keep a lookout for wedge-rumped storm petrels and short-eared owls.

EAST - South Plaza Islet with Local Naturalist

Spend the morning with a local naturalist who will take you on a privately guided hike among sea lions, large land iguanas, blue-footed boobies and a stunning cactus forest. Walk along the red succulent, studded with Opuntia cacti that carpets the island, as you head to the cliff’s edge to watch birds fly past at eye level. Then head back down to sea level to check out the land iguanas that populate the area.

SOUTH - Morning on Floreana Island

Take in the sights—and the sea—as you spend an amazing morning walking, swimming, kayaking and snorkeling around Floreana Island. Along with your naturalist, you will also visit the famed Post Office Barrel, the oldest functioning post office in the Pacific, which is rumored to have been set up by Captain James Colnett in 1793 and used by whalers, fur sealers and pirates. Then, round out your morning with an exclusive game of soccer with the crew of the Legend.

Lunch on the Ship

Enjoy a delicious lunch aboard the ship before heading out to the next adventure.

Activity Differs Based on Date

NORTH - Genovesa Island: Darwin Bay

Take in the magnificent scenery that surrounds you as you enjoy a wilderness hike to Darwin Bay. Known as a “bird of paradise,” be sure to watch for swallow-tailed gulls, mockingbirds, Galápagos doves and many others. If you’re lucky, you may even spot the rarest gull in the world, the endemic lava gull.

EAST - North Seymour Island Hike & Snorkel

Join a local naturalist for a hike amongst the open nesting grounds of the blue-footed boobies and large colonies of Frigatebirds. Enjoy the spectacular views that include sea lions, swallow-tailed gulls and a view of the Daphne Islands in the distance. Then, take to the water with a local expert for an off-beach snorkeling expedition with possible shark sightings.

SOUTH - Afternoon on Floreana Island: Cormorant Point, Devil’s Crown and Champion Islet

Walk across the dark beach, rich with volcanic crystal that gives the sand its subtle green hue, on your way to Devil’s Crown, one of the island’s best snorkeling sites. Along the way you may encounter an array of the island’s inhabitants, which include pink flamingos, green turtles, penguins and harmless white-tipped reef sharks. At Devil’s Crown, an eroded volcanic cone, there is an abundance of fish and marine life. You’ll snorkel with big schools of fish and may see spotted eagle rays and even hammerhead sharks. You’ll also visit Champion Islet, which is home to the last remaining island-endemic Floreana mockingbird.

Dinner on the Ship

Enjoy a delicious dinner with your fellow Adventurers while you swap stories from your adventure-filled day.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day Nine

Breakfast on the Ship

Enjoy a hearty breakfast on board the ship before your day of adventure.

Activity Differs Based on Date

NORTH - Santa Cruz Island & Dragon Hill

Upon arrival on a small lava dock, keep your eyes open for an encounter with the marine iguanas that blend in with the dark rock. Enjoy the scenery as we begin our walk along the sickle-shaped beach towards Dragon Hill. As you walk the circular path along the shallow lake, watch for the flamingoes that frequently come to feed in the area. You may also spot other waders, such as stilts, turnstones and sandpipers as they forage for food on the muddy lake edges. The walk continues inland to a dry, forested habitat where land iguanas nest and burrow.

EAST - San Cristobal Island: Pitt Point

Cruise along the coastline for a privately guided panga tour. Then, join a local expert on a hike to an island high point that offers breathtaking views, as well as the opportunity to see all 3 of the booby species: the red-foots, the Nazca and the blue-foots. Follow your hike with some relaxing water fun with kayaking or snorkeling in the turquoise waters.

SOUTH - Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Research Station & Fausto Llerena Breeding Center

Visit the one-time home of the famous Lonesome George, the last tortoise of the Pinta race, on a privately guided tour of the Charles Darwin Research Station and Fausto Llerena Breeding Center. The center, which is set in the Galápagos National Park Service, contains various interpretive buildings dedicated to providing knowledge and assistance through scientific research, to ensure the conservation of the environment and biodiversity in the Galápagos Archipelago.

Lunch on the Ship

Enjoy a delicious lunch aboard the ship before heading out to the next adventure.

Activity Differs Based on Date

NORTH - Santa Fe Island Snorkel & Exploration Walk

Snorkel the turquoise waters of Santa Fe Island’s protected bay, where you may encounter turtles, sea lions, reef sharks and spotted eagle rays. Following your fabulous snorkel, head to the beach where you’ll share the sand with an abundance of sea lions. Begin a leisurely walk and take in the surrounding endemic flora, including the giant Opuntia cacti, and be on the lookout for the native Santa Fe land iguanas and Galápagos hawks.

EAST - San Cristobal Island: Cerro Brujo

Spend a fun-filled afternoon on the beach with your fellow Adventurers—and possibly, some friendly sea lions! Kayak, snorkel and hike as you take in the amazing views of the cliffs of “Sorcerer’s Hill.”

SOUTH - Santa Cruz Island: Ballena Bay and Eden Islet

Enjoy myriad water activities, including snorkeling, kayaking and a glass-bottom boat ride, in this idyllic location where you may spot fish species like king angelfish, surgeonfish, parrot fish, damsels, rays and sharks. While on the land, you can expect to see sea lions and basking marine iguanas with herons and turtles in the nearby mangrove areas. You may also even discover some antique ceramic relics left behind by previous settlements. You’ll also visit Eden Islet, which is off Santa Cruz’ western coast. The islet offers opportunities to spot marine life that includes blue-footed boobies, reef sharks and bream fish.

Adult Dinner on the Ship

Adult Adventurers can relax and trade tales of their island adventures as they dine on a delicious dinner aboard the ship.

Junior Adventurer Pizza Party on the Ship

Junior Adventurers can grab a slice of pizza and hang out on the ship with their fellow Junior Adventurers.

Disney Movie Night

Wind down the eveing-and an amazing day of adventure-with a classic Disney movie.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day Ten

Breakfast on the Ship

Enjoy a hearty breakfast on board the ship before your day of adventure.

Activity Differs Based on Date

NORTH - Santa Cruz Island: Bachus Beach

Go for relaxing swim in the beautiful waters off Bachus Beach, named for some wrecked World War II barges that are still partially visible in the sand. Then, take a lovely walk along the shore to a lagoon behind the high tide line. Look for the wading birds, marine iguanas and possibly some flamingoes. The beach is also a favorite nesting site for the native green turtles which often leave tractor-like tracks in the sand.

EAST - San Cristobal Island: Cerro Colorado

Visit the island’s giant tortoise breeding center, ìLa Galapagueraî, where you will see the most iconic creature of the archipelago in its various life stages. The tortoises wander in a semi-natural habitat at this reserve whose mission is to help restore populations of the threatened San Cristobal tortoise back into the wild.

EAST - On Your Own Shopping in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Spend part of your afternoon perusing the lovely shops that are filled with local handicrafts. You’re sure to find the perfect souvenir of your adventure in the Galápagos.

SOUTH - Santa Cruz Island: Carrion Point

Take a dinghy ride to the entry of Itabaca Channel in a lagoon with turquoise waters, where sharks, blue-footed boobies and an array of different kinds of fish can be spotted.

Lunch & Flight to Guayaquil

Following your disembarkation from the ship, you will be transferred to the Airport for your flight to Guayaquil. You will enjoy lunch prior to the flight.

Check-In at Hotel del Parque

As your Adventure Guides check you into your hotel for the evening, make yourself at home in this sophisticated and secluded hotel that is steeped in Guayaquil’s rich history.

Farewell Dinner at Hotel with Traditional Ecuadorian Entertainment

Dine with your fellow Adventurers at this final feast in Ecuador and relive the highlights of your fascinating trip together. Following your festive dinner, enjoy a traditional music and a folk dance performance as you celebrate the amazing adventures you shared with your newfound friends.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day Eleven

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy one last meal in Ecuador before your departure.

Transfer to Guayaquil International Airport

Board your pre-arranged transportation to Guayaquil International Airport (GYE) and say adiós to Ecuador—until you return again!

Meals Included: Breakfast

**Parts of this trip take place at altitudes between 8,000-11,000 ft/2,438-3,352 m.

Trip Overview Details:

FLIGHT INFORMATION

2021 Departures

Arrive: Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)

Return: Guayaquil International Airport (GYE)

ACCOMMODATIONS

JW Marriott Hotel Quito

The Anakonda Riverboat

Wyndham Quito Airport

The Galápagos Legend Ship

Hotel del Parque

28 MEALS

10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 9 Dinners

AGES

Minimum Age: 7
Suggested Age: 8+

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